Today’s Northumberland has learned there have been up to 10 security guards have been hired as non-security at the Golden Plough Lodge since 2021.
“There are up to 10 staff from K9 (K9ine Security) at any given time tho, to be clear, they are not there in a typical security capacity, and they do not wear security uniforms,” said Director of Communications Kate Campbell.
Campbell added the security guards are “supplementary staff” having been trained in areas such as health and safety along with mental health and wellness.
Security provides “critical non-medical support services for residents.”
Glenn Dees, Director of Health and Human Services said “the GPL has experienced the impact of the shortage of Health Human Resources, especially since the pandemic.”
Dees said due to the “rolling recruitment” including the need for two full-time and four part-time PSW vacancies along with several temporary vacancies, they are “generally able to fully staff every shift with the necessary complement of health care workers.
“In addition to ongoing recruitment of health care staff, the County also engages security services as supplementary staff supporting non-health care related functions such as portering residents to activities, redirecting residents, and spending one on one time with residents.”
County officials said since 2021 the province has provided approximately $5.1M in approved funding for this high intensity needs supplemental staffing. The County has also contributed $300k over this period towards these resources to provide critical non-medical support services for residents.
There was no word if a RFP (request for proposal) was issued for the hiring of the security.
(Editor’s Note: Although Campbell stated “they do not wear security uniforms,” it has been confirmed that security do wear attire that states “K9 Security”)
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
